Sanford Health taking over Lewis Drug pharmacies, retail stores

South Dakota-based healthcare giant reaches deal to acquire long-standing drug store chain

(Photo courtesy of SiouxFalls.Business)

Sanford Health is buying South Dakota’s largest homegrown pharmacy chain.

The Sioux Falls-based health care system announced Thursday that Lewis Drug will become part of the healthcare organization’s portfolio. Founded more than 80 years ago before growing to have more than 60 locations across South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota, Lewis Drug’s acquisition by Sanford Health marks a major shift for one of the region’s longest-standing retail pharmacies.

Nonprofit funding shrinking as Sioux Falls moves away from automatic subsidies